Colin and Cecile Travels

   Day 28 – Barcelona, Spain Sunday, November 30 Leisurely Walk Through Barcelona and  Marvel at Barcelona’s World-Renowned Architecture The architecture of Barcelona was unique from the traditional cities we visited many government buildings were non-descript and very plain while other buildings are elaborate and artistic In the center of the city was an arch reminescent of the arch in Paris. Antonio Gaudí’s Casa Batlló with its unusual windows and balconies reminiscent of Opera glasses. Gaudi's La Pedrera - Casa Milà (the stars are part of the Christmas decorations) The captivating creativity of architectural genius Antoni Gaudí, represents  some of Barcelona’s modern gems. Our tour stopped at a beautiful Hotel for Tapas and S panish sparkling wine, known as  Cava Christmas Tree in hotel Top of the Towers on La Segrada Familia Still not complete after148 years of construction with an expected completion of 2034.  Words just can't do justice ...

    Day 27 – Sète, France   Saturday, November 29 Tour - Scenic Sète by Foot Sète, called the “Venice of the Languedoc.” Located on a thin strip of land, Sète received its name from the many canals that crisscross it, linking the Mediterranean to the enclosed saltwater lagoon of Ethang de Thau. Our tour guide pronounced the name of her home town as SET.  Sète is said to be a destination for seafood-loving gourmets and boasts the largest fishing fleet on the French Southern Mediterranean coast.  Classic French Architecture in this port city. The water is so clean here that you can easily see the bottom of the canals.  The canals are connected to the lagoon in which they raise Oysters.  According to our guide, this lagoon produces approximately 15% of the world's oysters.  The water is also so clean that sea horses thrive in the lagoon. The city's crest and official symbol the Whale Christmas has arrived. City is getting Decorated...

    Day 26 – Marseille, France   Friday, November 28 Tour - Historic Religious Sites of Marseille Friends that had been to Marseille said if there was only one thing to see in Marseille, you have to see the Basilica at the top of the hill. so I booked the only tour that would take us there. After a drive through the city to reach the Basilica I knew I would never want to be a bus driver in Marsaille. Narrow streets and really tight turns.Upon arrival the imposing Notre Dame de la Garde is Both a fortress and a sanctuary, the basilica is a neo-Byzantine construction studded with beautiful mosaics and murals, built on top of a Romanesque crypt.   Located on a hill overlooking the Old Port and Frioul archipelago, this is the most visited site in Marseille and the site of a popular Assumption Day pilgrimage. Driving through town, you see row after row of boats. This was after leaving the commercial port.  According to our gui...